Is India a safe country for women?
Statistics strongly suggest against it.
According to data from the National Crime Report Bureau (NCRB), on average one rape takes place every six minutes in India. NCRB further shows a 31 per cent increase in crimes against women in the past decade, with crimes per lakh women rising from 56.3 in 2014 to 66.4 in 2022. Delhi, Assam, and Telangana are among the top states for crimes against women. According to another report by the Women's Peace and Security Index, India is ranked 128th out of 177 countries.
Indian government has taken into account the rise in gender-based violence issue in India and is constantly working towards making India safer for women. implemented several initiatives in 2024 to improve women's safety. These include integrating artificial intelligence into surveillance systems, expanding helpline services for women in distress, and establishing fast-track courts. Campaigns and mobile applications have also been launched to raise awareness about women's rights. Infrastructural changes, gender sensitization training, and women's safety audits have been implemented. These measures aim to create a secure environment for women, empower them, and prevent incidents of abuse and misconduct. Collaborations with NGOs and grassroots leaders have further enhanced the effectiveness of these efforts.
The Women Entrepreneurs Review Team has covered several initiatives launched by the Indian government during the year 2024. Here are 5 major initiatives listed below:
West Bengal Assembly passes 'Aparajita Bill' Strengthening Women's Safety
In September, the West Bengal Assembly passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill', also known as the West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment 2024. A significant amendment to central laws against rape and sexual offences, the law was enacted following the tragic murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Hospital.
The legislation aims to provide stronger support and justice for rape survivors. With the support from both the ruling party and the Opposition, the bill mentions the death penalty to those convicted of rape leading to the murder of the victim. State Law Minister Moloy Ghatak presented the bill at the assembly.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the 'Aparajita' Bill 2024' for its historic and model nature, highlighting its potential to address gender-based violence and urging for prompt assent from Governor CV Ananda Bose. She mentioned, "Rape is a curse against humanity, and we require social reforms to prevent such atrocities."
Maharashtra Govt Strengthening Safety Measures for Women & Children
The Maharashtra cabinet decided to adopt a different approach to women's harassment cases, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instruction in August 2024. The government, under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, will soon allow women to lodge harassment complaints online. This move is part of a broader strategy to combat and prevent crimes against women more effectively. The government also pushes for harsher penalties and fast-track courts for such cases.
Deputy CM addressed the protests against the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital Kolkata and the sexual abuse of two minor girls in Badlapur in Mumbai. In a recent event, PM Modi also highlighted the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita's chapter on crimes against women and children, allowing e-FIR filing for women that cannot be changed by anyone at the police station level.
Govt launches SHe-Box Portal for Women to Register Complaints against Sexual Harassment
The Ministry of Women and Child Development in India launched the SHe-Box portal, a centralized platform for women to register and monitor complaints of workplace sexual harassment in August 2024. The platform, launched by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi aims to make workplaces safer for women in both the public and private sectors.
The SHe-Box portal is a centralized platform for filing and tracking complaints related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) in India. It ensures timely processing, redressal, and a streamlined process for stakeholders. It will be a real-time monitoring portal for complaints with a designated nodal officer. The new website aims to create a cohesive visual identity across digital platforms, enhancing government engagements and brand presence as digital platforms become primary citizen contact points.
The portal ensures that it won't let the personal information be publicly accessible and register complaints safely.
NCW & CyberPeace Foundation launch Digital Shakti Centre in Delhi
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched the Digital Shakti Centre in Delhi, in partnership with the CyberPeace Foundation, in order to combat cyber-crimes against women in August 2024. The centre provides awareness, support, and expert guidance to help women protect their digital spaces and register and address complaints related to cyber-crimes like identity theft, cyberstalking, and sexual exploitation.
NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma inaugurated the Digital Shakti Centre, a platform that enhances digital security, raises cyber-crime awareness, offers legal aid, and provides psychological support to victims. The initiative builds on the successful Digital Shakti campaign. The campaign was launched in 2018 and aims to raise awareness about cyber-crimes targeting women and provide technical support for complaints. With a surge in cases, the initiative empowers women to protect themselves online. The campaign has equipped millions with digital safety tools, addressing the growing issue.
MSCPCR suggests 'Mini-Police Stations' dedicated to Women & Children Protection
The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has recommended the establishment of special branches or "mini-police stations" for women and children in every police station across the state, following the Badlapur sexual assault case in August 2024. The unit will focus on swift action, through investigations, and effective implementation of laws to protect women and children.
Susieben Shah, Chairperson of the MSCPCR, has shared a detailed plan to address an alleged delay in registering a crime. She addressed a press conference and mentioned, "Currently, police stations have Women's Help Desks, Special Juvenile Police Units, and Child Welfare Police Officers. However, these units are not dedicated solely to addressing complaints from women and children, often leading to the unavailability of trained personnel when needed. Officers in these units are frequently assigned to other duties, causing delays in registering and investing complaints."
